With their unrivaled beauty, white sand beaches lure travelers to tropical locales around the world. From the southern U.S. to exotic locales in Asia, these ideal vacation spots are the perfect place to experience pure bliss.
Enjoy local cuisine and refreshing cocktails while watching beautiful sunsets along unspoiled shores after a day of exploring marine life in the turquoise seas. Stroll powdery stretches and search for seashell gems as waves wash across your feet.
Whether you’re searching for a relaxing, palm-tree-lined beach or access to sun-fueled activities, here are the best white sand beaches for every type of traveler.
Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
The western coast of Grand Cayman is home to one of the top white sand beaches in the Caribbean. This expansive stretch of white coral sand is a popular destination for beach-goers and offers a little something for every type of interest.
Stretch your legs on a leisurely walk, while perusing beach bars and restaurants that line the shore. In between basking in the warm sunshine, allow yourself to be lured by the pristine turquoise waters for a swim, or go snorkeling in Grand Cayman. Underwater, marvel at schools of vividly colored tropical fish that inhabit the calm waters directly off this crescent-shaped beach.
Palm trees provide a shady respite to cool off. Catch a thrill by engaging in some of the available beach activities, such as parasailing and stand-up paddleboarding. To cap off a perfect day, take in a spectacular sunset as the sky turns shades of pink, orange, and red.
Clearwater Beach, Tampa, Florida
Clearwater Beach in Tampa, Florida
Situated on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Clearwater Beach near Tampa draws visitors with its gorgeous white sand and clear, shallow waters. Proximity to downtown Clearwater makes this stretch of sand an ideal spot to combine fun in the sun with exciting culinary options and shopping. Nearby, you can experience marine life at the popular Clearwater Marine Aquarium, too.
With so many attractions at your fingertips, the only issue will be choosing how to spend your time at Clearwater Beach. Stroll the promenade, go jet-skiing, enjoy a fishing afternoon, watch a game of volleyball, or simply relax seaside with a good book.
Make sure to stick around for sunset at the iconic Pier 60, when you’ll want your camera on hand for the evening show put on by Mother Nature that is usually accompanied by live music and local performers.
Palm Beach, Aruba
Palm Beach, Aruba
Palm Beach is one of the world’s best white-sand beaches. This tropical paradise on the island of Aruba has calm, clear waters that are ideal for swimming and the soft sand is perfect for a day of pampering yourself under the Caribbean sun.
The beach stretches for approximately two miles long and has a popular path if you’re looking for a leisurely walk. Try some of the best things to do in Aruba like getting your adrenaline pumping with a jet ski ride or exploring the rich variety of sea life under the surface.
Laid-back beach bars and delicious restaurants are available in Palm Beach’s idyllic seaside setting. Catch one of the island’s sunsets at one of the best beaches in Aruba.
Te Amo Beach, Bonaire
Te Amo Beach, Bonaire
White sand has never been so romantic. Experience the peaceful Te Amo Beach (which translates as “I love you beach”) on Bonaire. Pristine waters lap the sugar-white sand, creating an ideal ambiance to unwind.
Enjoy a stroll and cool off with a swim in the clear seas, where you’ll find excellent snorkeling. Spot graceful fish, such as snapper and parrotfish, weaving their way through the colorful reef. Grab a snack at the local food truck and indulge in a fresh catch paired with a gorgeous island backdrop that makes this one of Bonaire’s best beaches.
Playa Las Bachas, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos
Playa Las Bachas in Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos
Head to Las Bachas Beach in the Galapagos for white sand and diverse wildlife. Named after an abandoned World World II barge, this stretch of sand is perfect for nature lovers. As you venture along the beach, you’ll have the opportunity to spot a wide array of birds and endemic animals such as iguanas, flamingos, and vibrant Sally Lightfoot crabs.
You may also have the chance to view sea turtles, as this beach is one of the primary nesting sites on the island. Appreciate the striking scenery composed of white sand, azure seas, and tropical vegetation including salt bushes and mangroves. Playa Las Bachas is one unforgettable white sand beach.
White Bay Beach, Jost Van Dyke, BVI
White Bay Beach in Jost Van Dyke, BVI
Set foot on some of the softest white sand in the world when you visit Jost Van Dyke’s White Bay Beach. This cove in the British Virgin Islands is a popular spot for anchoring boats looking to visit the island’s lively beach bars.
Grab a refreshing tropical drink, relax in the sun, take a dip in the inviting clear aqua seas and enjoy the view. If you’re interested in exploring beneath the surface, the offshore reef is home to diverse marine life, as well.
Carlisle Bay Beach, Antigua
Carlisle Bay Beach, Antigua
Laze the day away at the protected cove on the sugary white sands of Carlisle Bay Beach in Antigua. The contrasting light blue waters and lush hillsides provide a seaside haven to unwind away from the crowds.
Take a nap, enjoy a peaceful walk, or jump in the water for a slow swim. This is also one of the best spots to go diving and snorkeling in Antigua, perfect for those looking to explore the underwater world right from the beach.
Anse Vata Beach, Noumea, New Caledonia
Anse Vata Beach in Noumea, New Caledonia
Head to the South Pacific and uncover the striking white sand beach of Anse Vata in New Caledonia. Natural scenery featuring palm-fringed sands and lagoon waters will have you swooning.
Observe skilled wind-surfers from your seaside perch along the long stretch of beach or embark on a kite-surfing or paddle-boarding adventure. Snorkeling near the jetty, you’ll discover a rich underwater world with colorful reefs. Enjoy local fare at the beachside cafes and restaurants, which always enjoy a refreshing sea breeze.
Cable Beach, Nassau, Bahamas
Cable Beach in Nassau, Bahamas
Spanning two-and-a-half miles, Cable Beach in Nassau is known for its dazzling white sand. Soak up the sun on this popular stretch of sand that offers a healthy balance of relaxation and water activities including a myriad of boat, snorkeling, and scuba diving excursions that depart from this beach.
Aside from delicious restaurants and bars, a casino and golf course are also some of the alluring attractions in Cable Beach. Make sure to try out the fresh seafood, particularly conch, which is the most well-known Bahamian food.
Read: Best Beaches in Nassau
Tivua Island, Fiji
Tivua Island, Fiji
Located in the Yasawa Islands of Fiji, tiny Tivua Island is the definition of paradise. An impossibly white sand beach surrounds the whole spit of land with turquoise waters complimenting the scene.
If you can tear yourself away from the soft white stretch, fantastic snorkeling also awaits. Marvel at the graceful marine life as you greet angelfish, needlefish, and coral in an array of colors while exploring this world-class reef. Tivua Island also serves as a turtle sanctuary during nesting season.
Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Australia
Whitehaven Beach in Whitsunday Islands, Australia
Visit one of the world’s most beautiful white-sand beaches in Australia’s Whitsunday Islands. Situated on the largest of the island collection, Whitehaven Beach spans over four miles along pristine turquoise seas that host the famous Great Barrier Reef.
At the northern Hill Inlet at the edge of the beach, view otherworldly sand and sea patterns with vibrant colors. This vista is one of the most memorable white sand scenes in the world.
Read: Best Beaches in Australia
Isola Bella, Taormina, Italy
Isola Bella in Taormina, Italy
Referred to as the “Pearl of the Ionian Sea,” Isola Bella is a small island and nature reserve off the coast of Sicily that was once owned by King Ferdinand II. A narrow beach of the same name connects the tiny spot of land to the mainland.
This white pebble stretch of sand is one of Sicily’s most beautiful beaches and is mostly accessible during low tide. Calm waters provide an ideal environment for swimming while gazing at the picturesque scenery.
Cockleshell Beach, St. Kitts
Cockleshell Beach, St. Kitts
The southern shore of St. Kitts is host to one of the most stunning white-sand beaches in the Caribbean. An eclectic array of beach bars line this lively stretch of sand that boasts some of the best views on the island.
Take a walk and enjoy the vista that stretches to St. Kitts’ sister island, Nevis. Sip a refreshing cocktail while basking in the sun as the aquamarine water laps the soft sand.
Read: Best Beaches in St. Kitts & Nevis
Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Travel to Rio de Janeiro and visit one of the world’s most famous white-sand beaches, Copacabana Beach. This wide stretch of sand is complemented by a lively promenade and buzzing atmosphere.
Enjoy the views of some of the most famous landmarks in Brazil, like Fort Duque de Caxias and Sugar Loaf Mountain, from the beachside restaurants and bars or watch volleyball and soccer games from your lounge chair. There’s no shortage of entertainment to mix with sun and sand at Copacabana Beach.
Great Bay Beach, St. Maarten
Great Bay Beach, St. Maarten
Unwind on Great Bay Beach in St. Maarten, where you can admire tropical views along the mile-long boardwalk. This expansive white sand beach is the perfect spot to soak up the sun, swim in the pristine Caribbean waters, and indulge in fresh, local cuisine.
With a wide array of amenities and activities at your fingertips, the only thing left to do is relax while enjoying the view of the sea.
Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas
Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas
Perfect Day is the perfect private island paradise in the Bahamas. Part of the Berry Islands that sit some 55 miles north of Nassau, the island is home to everything from serene lounging spots to a water park with one of North America’s tallest water slides. Other facilities include lounge chairs and cabanas, water sports, and dining options.
All the excitement of a day here is underpinned by the incredible white sand beaches of the cay. Feeling like powdered sugar underfoot, the sand at South Beach is a long, inviting arc, lapped by the Caribbean’s famed turquoise waters, and dotted with palm trees. It’s truly worthy of shots that will pepper your social feed for days after a visit.
Plage de Mare e Sole, Corsica
Plage de Mare e Sole, Corsica
The white sand beach of Plage de Mare e Sole, a 40-minute scenic drive south from the Corsican capital of Ajaccio, gleams with such vigor in the summer sun that it’s better known by its colloquial name of Silver Beach.
Set on the Gulf of Ajaccio, a region alive with legends of pirates and mystical allure, the silvery sheen of the sands here may well be what lured the buccaneers to stash their gold on the island.
Today, this Corsican beach has a much more family-friendly atmosphere thanks to the shallow waters and clean sand that make it safe for both children and less confident swimmers. A couple of beach bars are available for refreshments, local snacks, and simple meals.
The pine forest that backs the beach can provide welcome respite from the harshest of the summer sun and there are several shaded clearings that make for ideal afternoon picnic spots.
Eagle Beach, Aruba
Eagle Beach, Aruba
A regular candidate in “world’s top beach” awards, Eagle Beach sits on the west coast of Aruba, just a few miles north of the capital, Oranjestad.
What propels it to the very top of such lists? Eagle Beach is a gentle curve of pure white sand almost a mile long, dotted with divi-divi trees, Aruba’s iconic wind-sculpted trees that stand like crooked sentinels along its length and make for incredible pictures. Then there’s the water of course: shimmering in the sun as gentle turquoise waves lap the shore.
Eagle Beach, Aruba
Given the popularity of Eagle Beach, there’s a surprising lack of development in the surrounding area, making it feel much more secluded than it actually is. Facilities are plentiful, too, with lounge chair and umbrella rentals, close-by casual dining options, and water sports including jet skiing, sailing, and paddleboarding.
The beach is also known for its nesting sea turtles and, depending on the time of year, some areas may be cordoned off to avoid disturbing the hatchlings as they re-enter the sea.
Trunk Bay, St. John
Trunk Bay, St. John
According to legend, the jaw-droppingly gorgeous Trunk Bay takes its name from the large numbers of leatherback turtles, known locally as “trunks”, that once nested on its shores.
Part of the Virgin Islands National Park on St. John, Trunk Bay is one of the best beaches in the U.S. Virgin Islands, thanks to its half-mile length of silky white sand bordered by verdant green hills.
The waters here are an inviting shade of sparkling cyan and there’s a self-guided snorkeling trail with underwater information boards on coral formations and sea life. There’s no need to pack a snorkel and fins, though, as the beach is home to a water sports concession as well as a snack bar, showers, and lounge chair rentals.
Pampelonne Beach, St. Tropez
Pampelonne Beach, St. Tropez
Nothing says Côte d’Azur luxury quite like a visit to the most famous beach in St. Tropez. It wasn’t always this way though. During World War II, Pampelonne was one of the Allies’ landing points for 1944’s Operation Dragoon and much lesser known. Then, French starlet Brigitte Bardot filmed her breakthrough movie here in 1956 and propelled both herself and the region into the world’s consciousness.
Now, the three-mile arc of soft white sand is the place to be seen thanks to glitzy beach clubs such as Nikki Beach and Club 55, which started life as the set canteen for the Bardot movie. Facilities are plentiful: bars, restaurants, water sports rental, and even yacht rentals for those looking to splash the cash.
Despite its fame and popularity, though, the length of this beach in the French Riviera means secluded spots can still be found, especially if you visit early in the day or out of the peak summer season.
Balos Lagoon, Crete
Balos Lagoon, Crete
On the far northwest tip of Crete, a trip to Balos can feel like a step back in time, such is its remote location. Some 35 miles from the port of Chania and 10 miles from the nearest town of Kissamos, that remoteness is a massive part of the charm.
The lagoon sits between Cape Tigani and the Gramvousa Peninsula. It’s a dramatic setting for the pink-and-white sand of this beach in Crete, with impossibly blue waters and craggy cliffs surrounding it.
Balos Lagoon, Crete
There are limited amenities here—a basic snack bar in summer and the makings of a rough parking area are about the extent of it—and with no umbrella or lounger rental and precious little natural shade, you really need to take all you need with you on a visit.
When there though, the feeling is akin to being on a desert island. You can get envy-inducing pictures of this lovely spot from above with a short hike to a viewpoint on the cliffs.
Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi, Thailand
Maya Bay in Koh Phi Phi, Thailand
If you’ve ever seen a picture of a young Leonardo di Caprio on a beach, it was more than likely taken on Maya Bay.
Located on Koh Phi Phi Leh, the smaller of the two main Phi Phi Islands in Thailand, this small but perfectly formed stretch of sand is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs that create a natural amphitheater.
The beach is part of a national park and there are no facilities here, so make sure to pack all you need when visiting and remember to leave no trace when departing.
A popular day-trip destination from both Phuket and nearby Krabi, the beach was too successful for its own good and was closed for four years from 2018 to allow marine life to recover and coral to re-grow. As such, visitor numbers are now limited to help continue the conservation efforts, so you won’t feel a sense of overcrowding.
Poetto Beach, Sardinia
Poetto Beach, Sardinia
The Italian island of Sardinia is famed for its white sand beaches, especially if you venture to the north of the island. You don’t have to head too far from the capital Cagliari to get a white sand fix, though.
Poetto Beach, just a 15-minute drive away, stretches over five miles from Cagliari to Quartu Sant’Elena, making it one of the longest in the country. Even better, many also consider it to be one of Italy’s best beaches.
Arcing gently around the bay, Poetto’s proximity to the capital means that while it’s well developed, its length is such that you’ll always find a quiet spot. Close to shore, the waters are shallow enough for paddling, wading, and swimming.
Those feeling more adventurous can venture further out where there’s usually a breeze creating ideal conditions for water sports such as kitesurfing. The beach is also backed by a long promenade of shops, bars, and restaurants, so there are plenty of places to stop for lunch.
Sella del Diavolo, Sardinia
Hikers, meanwhile, will love the promontory at the southern end—Sella del diavolo, or Devil’s Saddle. Shrouded in myths, it has some nice hiking paths and viewpoints that look over the beach’s expanse.
Orient Bay Beach, St. Martin
Orient Bay Beach, St. Martin
On the French side of the island of St. Martin/St. Maarten in the Leeward Islands and a 20-minute drive from the capital Marigot, Orient Bay Beach has a well-deserved reputation as being the “St. Tropez of the Caribbean”.
Its blend of natural beauty and vibrant social scene come together well to fuel that reputation, with the two-mile-long stretch of white sand beach being home to some of the island’s best beachfront restaurants and bars.
While living the good life in those beach bars is certainly an option here, it’s not the only thing to do. Beach volleyball, other games, and water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, and windsurfing are also available.
While the beach has an overall family-friendly feel, parents of younger children may want to be aware that some sections are clothing optional, adding to the European feel of a visit.
Omaha Beach, New Zealand
Omaha Beach, New Zealand
When wealthy Aucklanders go away for a long weekend, they mainly head for Omaha Beach. About an hour’s drive north of the capital, it sits on a narrow, crescent-shaped peninsula between the Hauraki Gulf and Whangateau Harbor, the nearby streets lined with the homes of the rich and famous.
What are they attracted to? Well, the pure, white sand beach for one thing—the fine sand is an almost icy color thanks to it being made up of almost 70 percent quartz. Then, of course, there are the shallow waters. Choose ocean- or estuary-side spots, dramatic dunes offering shade and shelter, and enjoy the distinct lack of over-commercialization.
Picnic areas, barbecue spots, and public restrooms are all available, but there are no noisy beach bars and very little motorized boating. This New Zealand beach is a great spot to combine with a visit to the nearby town of Matakana, too, where visitors can find boutique shops, cafés, and a regular farmers’ market.
Grand Anse Beach, Grenada
Grand Anse Beach, Grenada
Grenada’s Grand Anse is arguably one of the world’s most beautiful white sand beaches. Just a 10-minute drive from the island capital of St. Georges, it’s almost two miles long and is largely divided into three sections, each with its own quirks and charms.
The North Side is closest to the capital and is more built up thanks to the number of hotels there. Park Side is the central area, taking its colloquial name from nearby Camerhogne Park. It offers fine views over to the rolling hills behind St. George’s and easy access to one of the island’s best shopping malls, the Grand Anse Shopping Center.
Grand Anse Beach, Grenada
The South Side, meanwhile, is the quietest and most private part of this beach in Grenada. Whichever section you choose, the sand remains fine and powdery, while the gently shelving drop from the beach means the waters are calm and shallow.
Whatever you do, make sure to drop in to the Grand Anse Craft and Spice Market in North Side to pick up some of the local spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon that the island is famous for.
Lanikai Beach, Hawaii
Lanikai Beach, Hawaii
The name “Lanikai” means “Heavenly Sea” in Hawaiian and there’s probably not a better description of the calm, clear waters on this secluded white-sand beach on the windward coast of Oahu island.
Lanikai, a 30-minute drive from Honolulu, is small—just half a mile in length—but almost perfectly formed. It’s a lovely crescent of powdery, sugar-white sand lapped by shimmering turquoise waters and backed by leafy palm trees, with incredible views out to the verdant Mokulua Islands.
Lanikai Beach, Hawaii
The popularity of Waikiki Beach, closer to the island capital Honolulu, means that Lanikai feels much more remote by comparison, especially given there are no organized facilities directly on the beach. So it pays to take everything you need with you on a visit.
There’s a water sports rental company just off the sand that can provide kayaks to those wishing to paddle the half-mile or so to the Mokulua Islands, while the Lanikai Pillbox Hike is a short trail up a nearby hill for great views over the bay.
Beaches of Buck Island, St. Croix
Buck Island, St. Croix
For a real castaway feel to a white sand beach, head to this tropical island paradise around 1.5 miles north of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Uninhabited and only accessible by boat, the island is so perfectly formed, it almost feels unreal.
A verdant center of palm trees and sea grapes is surrounded by ice-white sands, in turn protected by a coral reef. This reef, the Buck Island Reef National Monument, comes under the supervision of the US National Park Foundation.
Buck Island, St. Croix
There are no facilities on the island itself, save for a couple of hiking trails through the forests and a viewing point at its heart, but that matters little as it’s in the water that the island really comes to life.
Visitors can discover this incredible ecosystem on a self-guided snorkel tour of the reef with its extraordinary coral formations, abundant reef fishes, and threatened species such as hawksbill turtles.
Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
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